John Wade Wyatt, born on June 26, 1947, to the late Russell Haywood and Josie Thelma Kenney Wyatt on Loops Road in Fayette County, passed away on March 10, 2026, at Raleigh General Hospital after a courageous two-week battle. A lifelong resident of the area, John devoted his life to faith, music, and service to others. His deep love of music became a powerful instrument for spreading God’s word, touching countless hearts and leading many to Christ through prison ministry, outreach, and missionary travels. He pastored several churches, filled in for fellow pastors, and operated a music shop in Rainelle where he sold his recorded music, stories, and instruments.
A United States Army veteran of the Vietnam Era and member of the American Legion, John also retired from the C&O Railroad. He served on the Rainelle town council and remained an active member of the Greenbrier County Republican Executive Committee. A champion for his community and local churches, he quietly helped numerous organizations and individuals in ways too many to count. His faith, his music, and his gift for storytelling left a lasting mark on the people of Appalachia.
Preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Fred Owen Wyatt, John is survived by his oldest brother, Gary Gene Wyatt (Vickie), younger brother Russell Alan Wyatt (Mary), and sister Emma Lou Fox; nephews Jim Wyatt, Johnathan Fox, and Justin Wyatt; niece Katherine Wyatt Brownsberger; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.
He will be remembered as a beloved brother, uncle, cousin, friend, pastor, and the Storyteller of our beloved Appalachia.
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